CBP Officers and Border Patrol Agents at the Hidalgo Port of Entry Seize AK47 Style Rifle and Magazine During an Outbound Enforcement Operation

Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo Port of Entry seized an AK-47-style rifle and magazine.

CBP officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo Port of Entry seized an AK-47-style rifle and magazine. 

On February 10, 2012, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a maroon Ford Crown Victoria as it attempted to exit the United States and enter Mexico. The vehicle driver, identified as a 23-year-old Mexican citizen from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico was referred to secondary for further inspection. During the examination the driver attempted to flee toward Mexico but was quickly subdued by CBP officers and agents. In secondary, a search of the Ford resulted in the discovery of an AK-47 assault-type rifle and magazine hidden within the vehicle.

CBP officers seized the weapon and vehicle. The case has been referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.

“Hidalgo CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working together on outbound enforcement prevented this assault rifle from being exported out of the U.S. and imported into Mexico in violation of federal law. I commend our officers and agents for their outstanding contribution to the seizure of this weapon and high capacity magazine,” said Efrain Solis, Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.